(NewsNation) — There’s a growing argument to replace Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in response to allegations that she had a romantic relationship with the lead prosecutor on the election interference case against former President Donald Trump.
Friends and supporters of Willis claim that her alleged romantic affair with Nathan Wade has likely harmed the case, causing it to become a distraction.
Even if the allegations are true, no Georgia law requires Wade or Willis to remove themselves from the case.
However, Norm Eisen, who was former President Obama’s “ethics czar” and the House of Representatives special counsel during Trump’s impeachment, told The Hill he supports Willis but suggests Wade needs to step aside.
“My view is that the law does not require Mr. Wade to step down, but I think it would be the wise thing for him to voluntarily consider doing so,” he said.
Mercedes Colwin, a legal analyst and attorney, told NewsNation the allegations against Willis are problematic.
“When you have a prosecutor in the center in the crosshairs of this type of criminal process, who is now being called to question about her impartiality, her fairness, and the constitutional rights of the accused or not being called into question that is very problematic for Ms. Willis,” she said.
Colwin added: “She has a great reputation, she’s very well regarded in the legal community in Georgia to have this type of blemish on a record is problematic. If it is compromising the prosecution of individuals that are accused of criminal conduct, then of course, you really should step away voluntarily.”
Critics argue Willis and Wade used taxpayer funds for vacations and dinners together. Additionally, they claim while Wade has a robust resume, he isn’t qualified for the job.
Wade is an Atlanta-area attorney whom Willis hired as a special prosecutor to lead the case.
The accusations surfaced from one of Trump’s co-defendants, Mike Roman, a political operative who served as Trump’s director of election day operations on his 2020 reelection campaign. Roman accused Willis and Wade of engaging in an “improper” romantic relationship.
The Georgia judge overseeing Trump’s case scheduled a hearing for Feb. 15 to explore evidence regarding accusations against Willis and directed Willis to respond to the allegations in writing by Feb. 2.